http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specificationBlogen-uswww.hilarythavis.comHilary Thavisnohttp://www.hilarythavis.comFri, 18 Aug 2017 04:44:02 GMTBlogBlogFri, 27 Jan 2017 02:13:29 GMTPropaganda—so last century?http://www.hilarythavis.com/propaganda-just-a-small-reminderThu, 26 Jan 2017 06:00:00 GMTHilary ThavisLast year, at Saint Paul College, I took my first US History course. One of the most interesting discoveries for me was the speedy manufacturing of public consent for America's intervention in WWI, brought about by an appointed committee. Here's something I wrote for the class after viewing the propaganda.The Committee on Public Information did their job extremely well. ]]>Last year, at Saint Paul College, I took my first US History course. One of the most interesting discoveries for me was the speedy manufacturing of public consent for America's intervention in WWI, brought about by an appointed committee. Here's something I wrote for the class after viewing the propaganda.The Committee on Public Information did their job extremely well. Last year, at Saint Paul College, I took my first US History course. One of the most interesting discoveries for me was the speedy manufacturing of public consent for America's intervention in WWI, brought about by an appointed committee. Here's something I wrote for the class after viewing the propaganda.

The Committee on Public Information did their job extremely well. They swayed American opinion on the Great War by establishing control over the exchange of information in public and private settings. They used tactics like fear and emotional appeal to persuade citizens and delineate a range of acceptable behavior. The World War One documents examined here demonstrate the use of techniques that resonate in communications classes today—the principle of social validation, the door-in-the-face, and a thought process referred to as cognitive dissonance. These prove to be absolutely essential to the success of the campaign. They are also the same ideas behind modern-day advertising.

The chief concern at the time is how to create a new idea of “normal” thought and behavior. The Committee commissions and distributes words, posters, fliers, movies, news and songs in line with the specific pro-war agenda, while suppressing all other communication. These elements—more than 100 million[1]—pervade and tinge every aspect of life, conferring new meaning to daily tasks, conversations and decisions. Once ideas are established by repeated exposure, the Committee can count on the tendency of the majority not to stray too far from the norm. For example, several pieces of propaganda call for direct involvement; the Uncle Sam Poster, Buy A Liberty Bond and U.S Navy posters, among others, convey a sense of urgency and appeal directly to the viewer. Will they purchase a liberty bond or volunteer for the army? Maybe, maybe not. But they will certainly come away less likely to badmouth the war, as they’re busy feeling guilty about not volunteering. Thus is established a new—restricted—range of behavior, based on level of involvement.

Another consequence of the personal appeal to action involves cognitive dissonance. As men and women are pressured into volunteering their time, energy and funds to the war effort, they are likely to rationalize their behavior. Should this not happen, they would be subjected to a feeling of discord between thought and action—a situation that is toxic to the healthy psychology of the brain. Words and actions must be in harmony, and, while we know that thinking influences action, the opposite is also true: thinking may change to accommodate action. In general, by presenting the war as a moral imperative, the Committee created a sway more powerful than fear alone would have.

Of course, all this is not yet enough, as there is always a rebellious portion of citizenry. So, then, are enacted new pieces of legislation that give the federal government the right to forcefully limit free speech. The Espionage and Sedition Acts pronounce jail time and high fines for anti-war behavior that is defined in extremely general terms. This is how Eugene Debs comes to be imprisoned for his speech. Fear of being punished effectively stamps out the last resistances.

Fear is used in other ways as well. The enemy, Germany, is slandered beyond recognition, in a fashion that strikes us today as buffoonish and over-the-top. The four-minute speeches seem paranoid. Yet they cause elemental, involuntary reactions that give undue weight to the message. The posters in particular arouse passion, a welcome sentiment regardless of connotation. The women are candid and desirable, whether leading a charge or clutched in the arms of the enemy.

The most effective way that fear is used involves introducing the idea of spies. In a way, it makes the citizens themselves do the work of the committee. Suddenly, it is not the government, or even the police, but your very own neighbors keeping a sly eye out for your every move. This is what most generates the feeling of constant danger, of being watched, and the strongest incentive to stay in line and united against a distant enemy. The “Spies and Lies” poster is emblematic of this tactic. “And do not wait until you catch someone putting a bomb under a factory. Report the man who spreads pessimistic stories, divulges—or seeks—confidential military information, cries for peace, or belittles our efforts to win the war."[2] It beckons a preemptive approach by making the slippery-slope argument that anyone who is against the war will eventually resort to violence. It is also mainly geared to women, since they are the ones staying home doing what they can while their husbands are at war. Gossiping all the way, naturally…

Stunning or elaborate productions serve to drive home a point, as they awe spectators and arouse passion. Conveniently expressed in another of the documents, “Advertising Aids For Busy Managers” regarding the play “Kultur”, is this simple idea: “Miss Brockwell wears some stunning and daring gowns in this play, and with these special appeal can be made to women.”[2] We are witnessing the emergence of celebrity culture.

Woodrow Wilson accepted the economic conditions that dictated America’s participation in World War One, and successfully created public opinion from scratch with the Committee on Public Information. The methods employed have been repeated in pattern throughout history and constitute the backbone of modern-day mass communication.

Sources:

[1] Faragher, John Mack. Out of Many: A History of the American People. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education Inc, 2012.

]]>http://www.hilarythavis.com/propaganda-just-a-small-reminderMore photos from Alaskahttp://www.hilarythavis.com/more-photos-from-alaskaThu, 01 Sep 2016 01:40:00 GMThthavis@hotmail.comHilary ThavisHubbard GlacierMountain range from the shipGlacier approachIcy Straight PointTreesSquare rootLeaving Icy Straight PointAs good a place to sit down as anyOr stand ]]>Hubbard GlacierMountain range from the shipGlacier approachIcy Straight PointTreesSquare rootLeaving Icy Straight PointAs good a place to sit down as anyOr stand

Hubbard Glacier

Mountain range from the ship

Glacier approach

Icy Straight Point

Trees

Square root

Leaving Icy Straight Point

As good a place to sit down as any

Or stand

]]>http://www.hilarythavis.com/more-photos-from-alaskaBack from the PHC Alaskan cruisehttp://www.hilarythavis.com/back-from-the-phc-alaskan-cruiseTue, 30 Aug 2016 22:00:00 GMThthavis@hotmail.comHilary ThavisThe Prairie Home Companion cruise is over and I am back in sunny, warm Minnesota, eager to do little else than make music, and perhaps do my own album artwork with watercolor. The weather on our trip was pretty rainy/foggy--although we did take some beautiful hikes--so not too many photos; but the entertainment on board was endless. My favorite thing, for the third time in a row, was Fred Newman telling his bedtime story about the birth of the universe with Rich Dworsky playing his improvised th...]]>The Prairie Home Companion cruise is over and I am back in sunny, warm Minnesota, eager to do little else than make music, and perhaps do my own album artwork with watercolor. The weather on our trip was pretty rainy/foggy--although we did take some beautiful hikes--so not too many photos; but the entertainment on board was endless. My favorite thing, for the third time in a row, was Fred Newman telling his bedtime story about the birth of the universe with Rich Dworsky playing his improvised th...The Prairie Home Companion cruise is over and I am back in sunny, warm Minnesota, eager to do little else than make music, and perhaps do my own album artwork with watercolor. The weather on our trip was pretty rainy/foggy--although we did take some beautiful hikes--so not too many photos; but the entertainment on board was endless. My favorite thing, for the third time in a row, was Fred Newman telling his bedtime story about the birth of the universe with Rich Dworsky playing his improvised themes on piano. The two of them create such magic in that short half hour that I'm already dreaming of hearing it (hopefully) a year from now. Thank you, Garrison, for writing this whole trip into existence and getting such talented people together for two whole weeks. Thanks to the staff too, for doing the impossible. And thank you to the passengers, who were warm, welcoming, funny and delightful--the best audience one could hope for. H

First view of Alaska

Friend Michaela and I with Mendenhall Glacier in the background, Juneau, AK

Chris, Maddie, Jay, Ben, Michaela

Hiking towards Nugget Falls and Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau, AK

Beautiful mountains outside Juneau, AK

Pulling up to a glacier near Tracy Arm

How do you pose in freezing winds coming down from a glacier?

Mike and Heidi

Joe Newberry, who looks like he's posing, but doesn't even know I took this photo

A boat for scale, as a chunk of ice falls

View looking up from the ship near Tracy Arm

Albert is awed

Michaela

Dominique

Joy and Julie

Rainforest in Ketchikan (Rainbird Trail)

Tall trees and mossy beds off the trail at Icy Straight Point

Flowers in Juneau

Sunset from the crow's nest

]]>http://www.hilarythavis.com/back-from-the-phc-alaskan-cruiseConcert at the Dakotahttp://www.hilarythavis.com/concert-at-the-dakotaFri, 11 Mar 2016 01:00:00 GMTHilary ThavisHi All! Happy to announce an appearance at the lovely Dakota jazz club in Minneapolis next month. I'll be joining Butch Thompson on piano and Steve Pikal on bass. ]]>Hi All! Happy to announce an appearance at the lovely Dakota jazz club in Minneapolis next month. I'll be joining Butch Thompson on piano and Steve Pikal on bass. Hi All! Happy to announce an appearance at the lovely Dakota jazz club in Minneapolis next month. I'll be joining Butch Thompson on piano and Steve Pikal on bass. Both are incredible musicians and veterans of the jazz and blues stage, and I am excited to be performing with them! Check out the event details.

I hope to see you there,

Hilary

]]>http://www.hilarythavis.com/concert-at-the-dakotaFree Concert Nov 4th @ Saint Paul Collegehttp://www.hilarythavis.com/free-concert-at-saint-paul-collegeMon, 26 Oct 2015 20:00:00 GMTHilary ThavisSo excited for this one, folks! After successful appearances on the Prairie Home Companion show/cruise, I am once again pairing up with Butch Thompson for a concert at Saint Paul College on November 4th. It's entirely free, plus a reception afterwards. ]]>So excited for this one, folks! After successful appearances on the Prairie Home Companion show/cruise, I am once again pairing up with Butch Thompson for a concert at Saint Paul College on November 4th. It's entirely free, plus a reception afterwards. So excited for this one, folks! After successful appearances on the Prairie Home Companion show/cruise, I am once again pairing up with Butch Thompson for a concert at Saint Paul College on November 4th. It's entirely free, plus a reception afterwards. And you get to see the college, which is very cool--it's the day of their open house. Oh, and yes, I'm a student there, graduating this May :) Noah Smith, also from Prairie Home, is on sound.

]]>http://www.hilarythavis.com/free-concert-at-saint-paul-collegeFood for thoughthttp://www.hilarythavis.com/food-for-thought-yes-unfortunately-i-love-terrible-punsSun, 26 Apr 2015 05:00:00 GMTHilary ThavisYes, unfortunately I love terrible puns.I've been doing a lot of thinking since I enrolled at Saint Paul College last fall, and considering I moved here from Italy, I’ve been thinking a lot about food :). After being here almost two years, observing the observable, and adopting an entirely new diet, I finally did some research. In the US, the same agricultural technology that has allowed us to increase yield and reduce hunger in the past forty years is now being employed to grow a...]]>Yes, unfortunately I love terrible puns.I've been doing a lot of thinking since I enrolled at Saint Paul College last fall, and considering I moved here from Italy, I’ve been thinking a lot about food :). After being here almost two years, observing the observable, and adopting an entirely new diet, I finally did some research. In the US, the same agricultural technology that has allowed us to increase yield and reduce hunger in the past forty years is now being employed to grow a...Yes, unfortunately I love terrible puns.

I've been doing a lot of thinking since I enrolled at Saint Paul College last fall, and considering I moved here from Italy, I’ve been thinking a lot about food :). After being here almost two years, observing the observable, and adopting an entirely new diet, I finally did some research.

In the US, the same agricultural technology that has allowed us to increase yield and reduce hunger in the past forty years is now being employed to grow a handful of crops—corn, soy and wheat—that are used to sweeten highly processed foods, fatten herbivores and make fuel. The government, in a policy that is renewed every five years, heavily subsidizes these crops.

It’s a win for agribusiness: corn calories, injected into every imaginable food, induce cravings that lead to over-consumption and high demand. However, the lack of nutrients in these products generate a host of health problems—obesity, Type II diabetes, heart disease—which is bad news especially for those in the lower stratums of society, generally more dependent on cheap sources of calories.

Saint Paul College is hosting an event Thursday 4/30 on food and justice called “The Soul Food Monologues”, open to students, friends and family. Please let me know if you’d like to go! We should all be able to exercise freedom in the moment we make that crucial decision about what to put in our mouths.

Currently, there’s enormous pressure on those who enter the field of farming to adopt industrial methods—Standardization, Specialization, Efficiency—and become dependent on a few large companies to survive, losing rights as workers and human beings. There is a grassroots documentary that I happened to see in my Environmental Science class at SPC, called “Fresh”. It’s an entertaining, uplifting release, focusing on people who have used their ecological knowledge to switch paths and be highly successful.

In the larger world-view, the roots of famine are social and political, of course. Colonial history has left many countries unable to access, control or keep their resources. Wars and conflict have displaced entire populations from their farms, environmental degradation becoming necessary for immediate survival. These countries’ economies are more vulnerable to natural disasters like droughts, floods and pests. This is something that needs to be addressed by the more developed nations, as everything is balanced by their actions.

Worldwide, the production of food has risen faster than the population—there’s enough for about 2,200 calories a day per person—but there’s an appalling distribution problem. Every year, thirty percent of food production, 1.3 billion tons, is wasted. Every year, six million children, all under the age of five, die from hunger or malnutrition.

Meanwhile, over-eating is a newer global problem. There are more overweight people in the world than underweight people.

So, let’s support sustainable farming and work to change the next farm bill. (Isn’t that what freedom is? Consumer choice, food security and a healthy, beautiful environment?)

Industrial agriculture, as with many forms of productivity, clashes outstandingly with nature’s clean, waste-free cycle, introducing risks where there were none, resulting in permanent changes like soil depletion and biodiversity loss. It’s reckless. We could never replace the services provided by nature. Without our earth's natural biodiversity, no food could be produced. Countless, seemingly insignificant organisms, living in balance, play crucial roles in ecological systems.

Also, we may be destroying the future of organisms that are the next source of indispensable gene or drug.

As a species, we are at a crossroads. We have stepped out of the wild, we are no longer hunted, but in our excitement we’ve forgotten that another adaptability test lies ahead. We dance, but within a closed system. Each individual action causes a chain of reactions that affects the entire biosphere. Even in our large system we ultimately breathe, drink and eat our waste.

Our intelligence has allowed us an imagination, an ability to perceive the design as a whole, to give it life with language, and it must now provide us with a vision of how best to fit into that design. We must place ourselves accordingly and marry the concepts of progress and sustainability. There is dignity and freedom in that: happiness and health we do not have to borrow from future generations.

Perhaps it can start with going back to the basics. A cow's stomach was never meant to digest anything but grass. A chicken's beak and claws evolved to pluck bugs and larvae—have the chickens follow the cows and they’ll clean the cow-pies. And we shouldn’t cram so many pigs together that they'll nip each other’s tails and develop super-strains of antibiotic-resistant viruses.

In our society, I think we should place more value in the knowledge of the biochemical cycles that permit us to live. As the ecologist Baba Dioum said, "In the end we will conserve only what we love, we will love only what we understand, and we will understand only what we are taught." The workings of our natural world are breathtaking. Wouldn’t it be incredible to know where each inhale comes from? Where each exhale goes? This type of understanding and awareness should be available to all.